Wii wish you a Merry Christmas

No I'm not actually blogging on Christmas... I'm too busy spending time with my family. How it works is that I pre-wrote this entry, but couldn't publish it until after Christmas morning, when Brad's sister and family opened their presents...because we got a Wii as a family gift from Brad's parents a couple weeks before Christmas when they came to visit, and couldn't spoil the surprise of the Wii gift his sister and family would be getting. So I had to keep a secret!
Of course after the surprise of a Nintendo Wii, we had to try it out right away...



Brad was trying out his boxing stance... what a knockout ;-)

The boys had a great time celebrating Christmas with Nana and Papa a week early. In the back ground you can see our over ornamented little tree that we set up in the townhouse. It is actually a tree that you hang on your wall, so it doesn't go all the way around. Which was alright considering we had to tie it to the wall so when Brady would give it tug it wouldn't fall over.

Brady was loving the big red bow, and the wrapping paper but could really care less what was inside.

Happy Birthday to ME!!

Yes its my Birthday and I'm not about to hide... Mainly because it the last one I celebrate in my twenties. Thirty doesn't scare me a bit, but it does sound so much older than those figures starting with a two. A couple weeks ago, I took a picture with the 2 other gals that work in my program to send out with Holiday cards for the other 2-1-1 programs in the state. These young gals (22, 23) actually made me look old. You can tell I'm the oldest just by simply looking at the picture? Is it because I dress more professional or is it the fine lines and start of crows feet that appear when I smile? Whatever it is, I'm not liking it!! Sure 3 kids make me feel well beyond my age, only because of the experiences and priorities in my life, but now I look OLD too? YIKES!! I gotta get me a good facial regime to stop this aging process, before I look like a Sharpe.

As for celebratory plans today... My dear husband is taking me for lunch, as the boys after hockey this evening, and I've got a ton of packing to do to head out of town for the Holiday. So pretty low key. I did get to open my gifts from all my boys yesterday, and was pleasantly surprised with the Spa la la la la package I received of slippers, bath robe, perfume, and spa gift certificiate. I'm so glad they finally caught onto the need for a little mommy pampering. To all those reaching out on facebook, Thank you for the birthday wishes. Another year of greatness under my belt ;-)

Going no where fast

Alright now that winter is in full force up here in the Northland, I've had the opportunity to experience the adventure of driving up Duluth's snowy, icy, steep hills. You see Duluth has these gorgeous brick roads downtown, that slick up with the slightest bit of winter precipitation. And it just so happens I work at the absolute bottom of the hill and live at the very top of the hill. So every day when I leave work I'm challenged with driving straight up the steep hill to get home. Of course the quickest way to and from work is out of the question as it is one of the steepest slopes, so I've had to find an alternative route, and even that leaves me spinning. Just yesterday I had to back down the hill, because the van in front of me was stuck... He couldn't make it any further up the hill. So he had to back down and take a side street to try a different angle. Thankfully I with a a running start I was able (but barely) to make it up the block... as I spun rubber I slowly inched along, but made it...all this for just one city block to catch the "main road". There are many different points throughout the city that the natural rolling hills have you spinning for traction...man is this crazy or what. I find myself panicked with wonder if this will be one of the times where i'll be going no where fast. Brad has a very curvy, steep track to and from work as well and on a daily basis he is witness to ditched and backing up vehicles. You'd like they'd be a little more on top of salting and plowing around here? Guess that's one of the consequences of city governments cut backs!

And now that we're in the midst of last minute shopping, the roads are full of retards flying around trying to get all their stops in on one night. (Why must people wait until the last minute?) But when you are jammed bumper to bumper you're certainly going no where fast. This is a huge disadvantage of living in the shopping district this time of year... the drive that normally takes us 12 minutes from daycare now takes 25-30 minutes. Good thing the kids nap on the way home, but even so my nerves are shot by the time we get home. (Which isn't a good thing when everyone is crabby for supper, and all you want to do is relax for a second.) Maybe Santa will bring me some red and blue lights I can put on the van... maybe that get me home a little faster some days.

Duluth Height Hornets

This past week the boys got their first team jerseys... Dylan sports #4 and Riley is #5 for the Duluth Heights Hornets.


Dylan has really stepped things up this past week. He has ditched the scooter skate, and now strides using both legs, and gets around pretty quick.


Riley is following suit, and is usually the only kid out there that has fun the whole time. Most of the others end up crying or whining about the cold, and have to go in to warm up.


Despite the cold temps and struggles of getting in all their layers, and all their gear twice a week, they have a good time, and don't complain (any more that is). They stick out the cold and put in a good practice each time.
Next weekend is their first Jamboree. Two games on Saturday, and one on Sunday... no goalies, small nets, and two 25 minute halves of running time... Lets play hockey!

2824 Parkwood Lane

Much like our Fargo home... Looks are deceiving. This "raised ranch" is 2738 sq ft ~ 4+ bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 living rooms, Huge kitchen, dinning area, mud room, walk-in pantry, office area, large storage room with work bench, HUGE unfuninished area in basement, 2 stall garage with wall to wall storage and a huge workshop area, new 25 x 12 deck, and a PERFECT back yard. There is so much roominess I LOVE IT!!

Here are few pictures of our "soon to be" house. Now keep in mind that these pictures were taken during the home inspection, so its not our stuff, choice of wall color or decor. Nor is it our mess. Any its a visual to show the space and layout.

Entering the house from the attached garage is this lovely mudroom/laundry room, that any mother of young kids would envy. Tons of closet space, and durable ceramic tile for all those wet, muddy shoes and gear and the washer right there to toss them in. This room excites me the most!


Brad is relaxing in the upstairs living room that you enter upon coming through the front door. The opposite wall with the big french doors lead you to the deck overlooking the SWEET yard.


The tree line comes up the sides of the yard to give us privacy and containment. When there are leaves on the trees its so thick you feel like you are on the edge of a forest. We're cleverly tucked back in a quiet development, so you rarely see or hear traffic. The homes in this neighborhood are very beautiful, and we've seen lots of kids, during our couple visits- so looking forward to a living in a great neighborhood.


This is the fabuolous master bath :-) The wall color has to go, but the tub can stay! A walk-in closet, shower, toliet (of course) and nice long sink/counter top of the master bath.


I'm super excited to have a kitchen big enough for all of us... and all our stuff. Everyone hangs out in the kitchen, and you are always stepping over kids, toys, and each other. Well not in this baby. There is a spot for everyone and everything. The long counter is an eat at bar and then the dinning area is just off that with a big bay window. Again terrible choice of colors, so with some new counter tops and a little paint, it'll be perfect.

I'm already mentally moving in, and planning paint and furniture placement. I just need a little elbow grease... so watch for details on a painting and a moving party, and we'll see ya then ;-)

We got a house!!

After backing out from the building idea, and placing a long shot offer on a house in September we were exhausted and decided to lay low key for awhile. It was quite discouraging and we had had enough house hunting for a while. As mentioned before the housing market is disgusting out here. Old, outdated homes with no backyards for lots of money~ not of interest. Duluth certainly isn't the on the up and up for new development...I guess building on rock isn't so cheap and easy.
Anyway the house that we made the long shot offer on in September, continued to sit on the market, so just a few weeks ago out of curiousity we had our realtor inquire about it to see if they had changed their minds and would be willing to entertain our offer again. They came back with a rock bottom price that was almost $50,000 less than their original listing price... and only $8,000 more than our offer. So we went for it! Throw in all appliances (inc washer/dryer), play structure and window treatments and we've made up the difference. After a week long scuffle of paper between their lender and relocation we are good to go and signed the purchase agreement last Friday, locking in on a 5.125% interest rate :-)

The sellers are in a tough spot on this deal. The husband was relocated to Minneapolis for work (already living there), and with the financial loss on the sale of their home they were working with a relocation company to help with the process. Now I'm not sure how relocation company's work and what help they give to recoup the costs, but I do know they got in our way, and drug out the process to getting a purchase agreement signed. Part of the issue is that we are buying the home for $23,000 LESS than what they paid for it in 2006. So as a seller they have to bring a big wad of cash to the closing table. YIKES-crappy for them... But Sooooo good for us ;-) We were good on our end... just waiting for them to get their crap together.
We set Feb 3rd as a closing day (moving in day) as we are still tied to our townhouse lease until April 30th. Unless our unit gets re-rented before April we will be paying rent and a mortgage. That would really suck- so If you know anyone looking for housing in Duluth PLEASE send them my way. Thankfully we have the ability to close and move in earlier should we find re-renters.
Its a great house, with lots of space (2738 sq ft) and a gorgeous back yard. I'll post some pix and more specific next time.
FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY is all I've got to say in closing.

Rockin N' Rolling

Gosh he just can't get any closer to taking off and gettin' on the go than this. He gets on his hands and knees and rocks and rocks and rocks... almost like he's trying to build enough momentum so he can shoot out of the gates and sprint to the other side of the room.
You can see here the determination and sigh of frustration.

What started as backward scooting has turned into backwards crawling, and now he's gone to taking 1 or 2 strides forward before throwing in the towel and resorting to the good ol' barrel roll. Its exciting to see him on the brink of a new milestone, but I'm not quite on top of the child proofing thing, yet. So I've got some work ahead of me this week.

All I want for Christmas is my 2 Front Teeth...

...Nope its not the big boys... But the little man. We are talking the first round here... He's got bulging top gums with little pearly whites trying to poke through. A swipe in there today finds one of them just breaking the surface and faintly sharp to the touch. I'm torn with the excitement of sprouting new teeth and sadness of saying goodbye to his toothless grin. Its just one more thing that proves he's growing up too fast.

We knew something was up this past weekend, as he just wasn't his happy self. And no wonder with these kinda choppers making their way- I'd be crabby too!

Moving Uplander

There was no time better than now to Move on Up and upgrade the ol' Mini van. The thermostat was slow to heat, the brakes were worn from age and the sloping hills of Duluth, and the power window was starting to slip off the track. So instead of pumping the money into repairs, we choose to put it toward a down payment of a new van- with 100,000 mile warranty. What we got was a silver Chevrolet Uplander (see picture). Its rated pretty highly and has all the other things that are important... that's Brad's department- I just care about how it drives and what it looks like. The first thing the boys noticed was that they have their own little speakers in the back by their seats. The old van had the speakers in the far back, which was usually blocked by luggage or the stroller. So now they get to hear their tunes loud and clear.
Its funny how you just get used to things... Not only the way a new vehicle rides smoother, or heats faster. But how much more firm the seat cushions are, and how sensitive good brakes are. A little getting used to, but there's no complaining here. I've never been so excited about Mini-Van!!

Our Little Thanksgiving

Like previously noted we celebrated a quiet Thanksgiving at home, just the 5 of us. We were pretty traditional...watched the Macy's parade, hung out in jammies most of the day, and I browsed the flyers throughout the day for a total of 4+ hours- carefully making my 4 am shopping plans. But really overall we just enjoyed the day together without any interruptions. Dylan and Riley provided the lovely center pieces~ that they made at their school. And they were excellent helpers with setting the table.

Brotherly Love

I've been trying to get a cute picture of the 3 boys to put on desk at work, and needless to say its a little difficult. I can't seem to get all 3 looking at the camera, with anything but a goofy face, or at least their whole face showing. There's always a hand or head in front of someone, or they are horsing around and not paying attention to my photo shoot. So although I didn't get that PERFECT picture of my crew, it captured their true brotherly love.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

This year will be our first Thanksgiving as crew of 5... and no more! I am thankful that our family is complete, and that we are all in good health- minus the sniffles and coughs. This Thanksgiving we will find ourselves celebrating in Duluth, with a small yet still pretty traditional meal, as it will only be us. The turkey has been substituted with a turkey breast (we don't like dark meat) and since Brad doesn't like green beans, we'll be without the green bean casserole. I'm the only on who likes sweet potatoes, so that's out the door too. And I don't know how to make pumpkin pie (nor care to) so we'll have apple crisp instead. Of course we could have gone and bought a pie, but then your house wouldn't smell like yummy baking. The important thing is that we'll be together and have a great day, loafing around in our Pj's watching the Macy's Thanksgiving parade on TV. I'm hoping that for that one day we can forget about making any decisions (new house, new van, new babysitter) and just enjoy simplicity.
Although I'll miss all the other family that we usual spend Thanksgiving with, I'm secretly excited to celebrate and start new traditions with my kids...like Mac & Cheese as a side dish ;-)
Hope you all have a Thankful Day as well.

Talking to my Angel

Last week I made the trip back home with the 3 kids, to attend my Great Grandma Clara's funeral. Unfortunately Brad was held up with big events at work, and couldn't come along, which made the drive home even harder. Not because of the kids or driving conditions, but the solitude of a 4 hour drive. As the kids slept I cried, reminiscing of childhood memories with my gma, and the special moments I was able to share with her over the last 28 yrs of my life.
When I was born, I became the 5th generation in my gma's family tree. And then 24 yrs later I was able to grant her first rank in the 5th generation as Dylan and Riley became her Great-Great Grandchildren. Then 4 yrs latter she was able to welcome g-g-grandchild #3 with Brady's arrival.
At 95 yrs of age she was still on top of her game...Lived on her own with very little assistance, very sharp mind, and although she'd disagree with you, very able body...I think she thought 95 yr olds should still be able to do cart wheels? All this brings her death even harder to take. What was first thought to be flu symptoms turned alarming and into a GI obstruction that her body became poisoned by and she just couldn't fight it off. As her systems began to shut down surgery was just not an option. Less than 24 hrs latter she was gone.
It was especially hard for me to see my mom and family mourning Gma's death. She wasn't a grandma to my mom... she was a Mom... This struck deeper. As a teenager my mom's mother abandoned her family, leaving my grandpa to parent 5 young kids on his own. Gma was a widow and so really took them in, to help raise her 5 grandkids. Long before gma was a saving grace, but it was during the tough teenage years she was the one my mom looked up to. She was there to lean on when times were tough, and there to cheer her on to victories. The touching thing that I've now been able to see from their relationship, is how she showed my mom what being a gma is all about. My mom always makes her time with the boys so special...she always puts them first, encourages them to explore new things, teaches them to respect others and never forgets to reward them with special treats, just like gma Clara did for us.

So as I drove down Hwy 2 I started to think... If I could have one last conversation with Gma, what would I say...

Grandma Clara,
When I think back to our special times together I'm reminded of many different things. Mush for breakfast, Mac & Cheese with sugar on top for lunch, fresh vegetables from your garden for supper and strawberry malts for bedtime snack. I remember spending many days playing around the farm; playing out in the open well spout, swimming in the ditch water, exploring the vacant buildings, goofing around in the old outhouse, weeding the garden (eating the strawberries), and riding bike around your triangle flower garden...I swear gma we didn't mean to run over your pretty flowers, just took the corner too tight and Opps! The times we were forced indoors, I loved playing restaurant at your basement bar, and using all your 7-up to make it even more real. Oh and you had the fastest carpet steps I've ever seen!! And when that was called off, the laundry shoot was pretty fun too...The catch box at the bottom was a great hiding space;-) I know I share a lot of the same stories as many of my cousins, and aunts and uncles- every kid had adventures at your house. No matter what it was, it was always fun at grandmas house. Even when you tried to install the fear of the Hustamonic! You always made us feel special, grandma. I loved spending time at your house.
As an adult, I looked forward to our weekly Saturday calls, to tell you what the babies were up to. Even though we couldn't visit often when Dylan and Riley were little, you always kept tabs on us, to make sure they were doing well. I enjoyed sharing their milestones, and stories with you. I wanted you to watch them grow like you did with me. When Brady came along you did the same... I'll miss those calls. I'm so glad you got to meet my boys, grandma. I'm so proud of them and honored to share them with you... Your 5th generation. I'm so glad you got to squeeze them, hold them and give them a kiss on the cheek. I hope they can picture your face forever. They will always be reminded of you, and how much you loved them.
Grandma I am so thankful you were there for my mom when she was growing up. You gave her a role model to look up to and values to what being a mother is all about. You gave her and taught her unconditional love. The same love that has trickled down, and will continue to trickle down the generations. You always put family first, and went to great lengths to make sure we were all taken care of, it was never about you, you brought us all together.
There's so much more I want to say, and I don't want to end our conversation here, nor say good bye. So if its alright with you I'd still like to check in every once in awhile...Through my thoughts... I'll think of you often and you help guide me when I go astray. I Love you Grandma...

Nothing in particular...

Not much going on night...Just enjoying the Thursday night TV line up. And in peace and quite, as I put all the kids to bed before 8:00 and sent Brad out with a buddy for beers. The only 2 shows that really matter to me are Grey's Anatomy and ER...he knows this! But every week during those shows, its always something...he's munching on chips, crinkling the bag extra loud, or playing on his phone making it beep, ring and sing or mimicking the shows, or poking at me, all just to annoy me! So tonight I treated myself and got rid of him. It was so nice!!! Maybe I can get his Wednesday night hockey moved to Thursdays... then I'd never have this problem again ;-)

Ah what else is there to ramble about? The weather... Over the years my father-in-law has rubbed off on me a bit, and now I talk more about the weather. I not near as extreme as he though= I don't watch the weather channel all day or follow the "systems" like he does. But the topic tends to come up in my conversations more than it ever did before. (Wait-Is this a sign of aging?...nah) So we've had a few flurries here this week, but nothing thats accumulated and stuck around. Some slow, cold, misty rain and the occasional gust of winds. Haven't seen the big Gales of November on Lake Superior yet either...hope they don't decide to stay away our first year here. Apparently the Gales make waves around 16 feet high, that then smash into the rocky shore like crazy. People actually surf the waves, they are so big. Sounds cool, I just hope I get to see them.
Of course the boys are excited for the snow, and every time they see snowflakes they comment "Oh...its soon gonna be Christmas time." Not yet my dears- we haven't had Thanksgiving yet.
Oh, one more thing... In case my Brother in-law Mike (Huge Packer Fan) is reading this... Go Vikes! Hopefully the beer made your loss a little easier last weekend. (I don't follow football at all, but couldn't miss an opportunity to rub salt in the wounds- GO Minnesota.)

Fine Example...

So this evening my observations were proven factual.


Brady watched from a distance quickly inching his way in for a closer look. Soon after he stretched and scooted his butt a little he was within reach of the race track and took over from there.

After a few laps around the track the temptation gave in... He grabbed a hold of the dump truck and train, giving them a good slob...



Dylan quickly snatched them back. Whata ya know... full of drool, so he had to use his sleeve to wipe it all off.








It wasn't long before Brady took over the track...literally!

Steamroller: Destroys all in its path.

Brady has successfully figured out how to get around, without hopping on a hip... His rolling has become WILD!! He can get from one corner of the room to the other in no time at all. Trust me I know... He's recently discovered the glass door on the TV stand and visits it often. He likes to slap at, and see his reflection~ I can only imagine what he's thinking when he can see himself and things in behind his image, but can't get through to touch them. He spends time starring in at the radio with wonder... "Ah the lights, buttons, knobs and gadgets! If only I could get my hands on it!" ;-)
Last night he got ahold of his big brother's Marshmallow shooter (one of those PVC craft show toys) and rolled around like an army guy, until his leg got hung up on the excersaucer...Then came the cry for help. He's pretty darn close to rocking on his knees and taking off in a full crawl. But for now he's got the back scoot and barrel roll down pat, and will just go with that.

Dylan and Riley are both enjoying and disliking their little brothers mobility. They like to wrestle around with him, and coax him with toys to see if he'll come get it... a fun little game. But there is a downside this... Poor Brady isn't welcome to participate in all their big boy business. Instead of being content to just sit and watch what they were doing, now he wants to get right in there... and DESTROY!! No more reading books, drawing, or playing "Big Boy" toys in the Living Room, cuz Brady will tear your pages, eat your crayons and slob your Ninja Turtle, and thats not cool. I get a little kick out of it when he gets right in there, but do get tired of hearing "Brady SLOBBED on my toy Mommy." They are quickly learning its no longer the little toys you gotta keep out of his reach but ALL toys. He He He He... Its just the beginning my dears!!

Cute Moments

From what I recall, Dylan and Riley never seemed to mind hoods and hats on their heads or getting bundled up for the cold as babies or toddlers, or even now. Brady on the other hand...extends his belly, grunts and moans, and wrestles with his mitts, hoods and hats. That kid whips off his toque as soon as you look away. However this was one moment that he actually didn't mind his cute little hood.



We were getting ready to leave the house the other day, and he was patiently waiting for the rest of us... just sitting there looking so cute with his little tassel hoodie.

Most days there is always a basket of clean laundry around, just waiting to get folded... and since the Laundry Queen hasn't been here for a while and won't be here until next month... I've recruited the boys to help out. 97% of the things are left for Mommy to fold, but they do a great job with socks, washcloths and under ware.

Happy Halloween

This year we spent our Halloween trick-or-treating with the ghosts and goblins out at Winnipeg Beach, MB. My 2 Ninja Turtles and little Devil, were excited to be out with their vampress cousin Sydney, and on the other end I'm pretty certain the Canadian Aunties loved the visit from special trick-or-treaters this year. We got a late start, but the weather was perfect, so after stopping in at all the relatives we hit the street and they made a haul.

The little devil was tuckered out, and went home for an earlier bed time, but my SIL Jodi and I took the big ones to a few more places. This is what I remember the most from trick-or-treating as a child... going door to door in the dark night. The 3 of them would run up to the door, and instead of ringing the door bell, they counted 1-2-3 and then yelled "TRICK-OR-TREAT!" As soon as they saw the person coming to the door, they'd excitedly jump up and down and hold their bags out for the candy. After a polite "Thank you" they'd run off to the next house, and repeat. At one point between houses, Dylan started chanting pumping his fist in the air, "Halloween. Halloween, Halloween." Things were super exciting until we got to the really spooky house... with a graveyard, fog, and scary music playing in the yard. They stopped dead in their tracks but then hesitantly followed behind all of us, realizing that was a better option than standing there alone. But in the end I was the one that got spooked at this stop, when a huge spider dropped from the sky right onto my head. There was a guy on the roof, who dropped a spider tied to the end of a fishing rod on my head, while the kids were getting their candy. I gasped like a chicken and blushed like a fool. We finally had to call it a night, because we had no where else to store the candy.

As you can see these kids got sooooo much candy its unbelievable, and truthfully we didn't stop at that many places. It was the Aunties and grandparents that spoiled them.
I thought Halloween was over and done for the year, but during our visit to Target last weekend, we found the 90% clearance sale on left over Halloween stuff, and Grandma scored Vampire capes for the guys, and I got them a warewolf and Ninja costume for $3 a piece... For that price how can you not add to your costume collection, and make for some scary play.

"When I grow up I'm gonna be a Doctor"

They said it themselves, without any provoking...WHY??? Dylan and Riley have come to the conclusion that if you are Doctor you don't have to get shots!

Today I had the joy of taking all 3 kids for their flu shots, by myself. Brad was stuck at work, and with a busy week ahead today was the only chance to take advantage of the Blitz...So I braved it alone.
As soon as I picked them up from school and broke the news to them, things went downhill. There was kicking (literally) and whining all the way there..."Why can't we just go home, and have supper Mommy?"... "No, No, No Mommy this isn't the way home" Upon arrival Dylan sat in his seat crying and refusing to get out of the van, until finally I was able to reason with him, that Mommy would go first and that if it hurt Mommy he didn't have to get his flu shot ;-) (Guess they are still pretty traumatized from their recent 4 yr old vaccinations- 4 shots each on that trip!)

So we get in, register and wait our turn... things are looking pretty good, as we wait I'm bribing their bravery with treats and special activities when we get home. We are called in, and they enter the cubicle cautiously. I go first...I put on a brave face, and didn't even flinch. But just the sight of the needle had them shaking. They both stood up against the wall opposite of me, with fear in their eyes... You'd like they'd seen a ghost. When she asked whose next they both nominate the other and step even further away. (Now mind you I have Brady sitting on my lap, so that gives me limited mobility, and no where to safely sit him, while I wrestled them down) There was no talking one of them into willing going first, so in their scurrying to get away I was able to snag Dylan by the arm, and pull him onto my lap (Brady on the other leg). He's kicking and screaming (seriously), and I'm not letting go. I'm trying my best to talk some reason into him at this point, and its not working. I'm now just moments from grabbing the damn needle and poking him myself to get this over with. But thankfully the gal caught on that I wasn't gonna let him out of it, so it was just gonna have to happen with his cooperation. So she stuck the kid at first chance. As soon as she poked him, he instantly stopped his fit, looked at her and didn't say a word...It was over, and so was the drama. With the safety of a Tasmanian Devil band-aid in place he reported "That didn't hurt that much." Arghhhh!!! All the while, Brady is chewing on the stickers initially used to bribe Dylan, and Riley is practically shaking and looks so anxious that he could throw up. Anyway- No time for the classic "I TOLD SO", so instead I use the teachable moment and had Dylan convince Riley that it really didn't hurt and that he was more scared than anything.
Riley tried to change the plan, requesting to go upstairs and "just get the water squirted in my nose." The preface to this is, earlier we had discussed the option of the Flu Mist, explaining that its kind of like getting water squirted in your nose. But I didn't want to run to another floor in the clinic for the mist nor chance their poor cooperation with a misting dose. So I went with the easy poke and go- assuring they get the full dose. Well Riley's odd comment got me weird looks from the nurse, and led me to lie to my child...I had to get him to believe they were all out of the Flu Mist (Sorry Riley). With that the brave solider hopped up and took it like a pro... some hesitation, but much more cooperative than his brother.

Next up is Brady boy... completely oblivious to what his big brothers just experienced, as he was preoccupied with sucking on stickers... Dropped the drawers, took the needle, cried a bit, gave a smile and grabbed for his sucker too.

After many praises, hugs, kisses and high fives, the crew was out the door and loaded back in the van. While enjoying their suckers (before dinner even) on the way home is when Dylan and Riley discussed their plan to become Doctors. Dylan stated, "I'm gonna be a Doctor so I don't have to get a shot." "Yeah me too, we just give shots all the day" Riley added, "We just have to find a room, that doesn't already have a doctor." I didn't want to burst their bubble, but had to assure them for future reference, that everyone gets shots, and the bigger you are the less they hurt because you aren't scared any more. "Yeah Mommy you were Brave, I will be too when I'm old". I really do hope they grow up to be smart, helping doctors... as long as I'm not stuck paying for all that schooling.

"C" is for Cookie

Yummy Yummy Yummy... Doesn't this cookie look Yummy?

How about now?

Brady just loved sucking this cookie. He was "chew" (suck) on one end for a little while and then flip it around to give the other end some action, and so on and so on. He had so much gunk in between his little fingers, and all over his face. Good thing he didn't grab his hair with those yucky hands.

Oh yeah... What big boy doesn't want a little sippy cup action? So we diluted some Apple Juice and let him try it out. Surprisingly he caught on right away. I just gave him a sip with the plug out, so he knew juice came from the mouth piece. And then put the plug back in, and handed it over.
As you can see he knew what to do with out any problems. Except he gets a surprised reaction when he takes a big pull and has a mouthful of cool juice. It wasn't long into the whole sippy cup thing, before he figured out that "Hey this makes a pretty cool noise, when I bang it on the highchair tray... and these cool little handles let me keep a good grip when I fling it around." Dylan and Riley thought it was pretty cool that Brady is learning to use a cup, and that now they can share their juice with Brady.

Boo at the Zoo

In the spirit of the Spooky season we took the boys out to the Boo at the Zoo event. All the kids dress up in costume, and then trick-or-treat their way around the zoo, collecting candy as they go. Even with the huge mass of people, it wasn't bad at all. The weather was perfect... warm, sunny and no wind. Dylan and Riley were pumped to wear their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle costumes, and got tons of compliments along the way. I think most of the comments came from parents our age, who remembered watching TNMT when we were kids. (All good things come back at least once) Dylan as you can guess was dressed at Leonardo (Blue) and of course Riley in red as Raphael.
It was cute to see all the other costumes, and run around in the fun of Halloween. The boys still aren't obsessed with the whole trick or treat thing, so this was a fun way to celebrate, and get a little more use out of their costumes.
Brady slept off and on while we were out, and since his costume hasn't arrived in the mail yet, he went just as his cute little self.